Mark "Jumpman" Bostic (EN) - Sneaker mag

Mark "Jumpman" Bostic (EN)

Our latest interview is with one of the most interesting collectors in whole world. Ladies and Gentlemen we are interducing you Mark Bostic aka @jumpmanbostic...!

SM: Can you tell us how did you get into sneakers?

Mark: I got into Jordan's after watching MJ in college at UNC, I was in college at the same time. MJ and I are the same age, I happen to be two days older. That's my claim to fame over the G.O.A.T., I'm older... Lol I saw the "Chicago" and the "Black and Red" Jordan 1's releasing in 1985 for $65 (which was a lot of money back then, especially for a college student) and I was instantly hooked on both colorways. That's what started my Jordan #A_Kiction. Below is a little history of what almost caused me to stop collecting.

In 1994 I moved back to Michigan from San Diego, CA after my mother became ill. I walked away from semi pro basketball to return home. I drove from Cali to Ann Arbor with a family friend who flew to Cali to help drive.

I shipped everything with a moving company except what I was wearing because we were driving my Volkswagen Jetta. Everything arrived except for one big box that I foolishly labeled "Jordan Sneakers". It contained 30 pairs of original Nike Air shoes from the Jordan 1's to the Jordan 9's, some were even unworn doubles.

I immediately notice that box is missing when I go to pick up my items, they stated everything they picked up was present. At that time there wasn't a state of the art tracking/scanning system and basically I was out of luck and devastated.

All of the missing sneakers in that box had either a personal memory for myself wearing them in my San Diego city league games, semi pro games in Mexico, or watching MJ do some incredible things in the shoes from the 69 points against the Celtics in 85 in the Chicago 1's, the 88 Dunk contest in the III's, the 89 shot against the Cavs in the bred IV's, 90 scoring title in the V's, and 91 finally beating the Pistons and winning there first of six NBA titles in the VI's. There's so many memories with each sneaker I've purchased.

It's 1994 and as you know MJ has retired for the first time after completing the 3rd championship of the first of two three-peats against the Suns. He was rocking the Playoff 8.

My all time favorite model is the Jordan 8 which I call the Great 8's. They were stolen and that has been painful til this day. All I've been able to locate are retro sneakers of the originals. I love the crossing straps which I never strap and just let them flow freely with my laces untied.

SM: Almost everyone know you are HUGE Air Jordan collector. Is it possible to find something different then Jordans in your collection?

Mark: I'm strictly Jordan, but recently while at a sneaker event in Oklahoma City called "Kicklahoma" I was gifted a pair of KD's 7's and I really like those sneakers so I've added them to my collection. Champs Sports has also gifted me 2 pairs of LeBron James sneakers and Finishline has gifted me a pair of Team Jordan's.

SM: How you mentioned you are collecting since 1985. So if I am right you didn't miss any Air Jordan release?

Mark: Correct, I've been collecting since 1985. Yes, I've missed many releases for a lot of reasons from not being able to get my size mainly or waiting in line and someone buying a bigger size to trade for their size because they weren't able to buy their size.

SM: What are your most favorite Jordans and why?

Mark: My most favorite Jordan is the Jordan 8, I call it the #Great8 because of the look of the shoe, comfort, and the sound of the straps click-clacking together when you walk (I never fasten the straps).

Mark in Air Jordan 8 "Aqua"

SM: In these days there is very interesting topic, Remastered Jordans. What are your thoughts about this thing?

Mark: The remastered series that Jordan Brand is doing to me isn't a true remastering. They claim to be making the sneakers as they were in the past but that hasn't been totally true from what I've seen so far in 2015, close but not that close to any of the original/retro remakes. It seems to be more of a way to keep consumers interested in the releases, if your a true fan and have the passion for Jordan's you'll either cop the releases or not.

SM: Back to your collection - how many pairs have you got?

Mark: Currently I have 867 Jordan's, 2 LeBron's and 1 Air Max in my collection.

Mark´s collection is maybe more than impresive

SM: Last year was very popular TOP3 Challenge - Can you do for us your TOP3 Challenge?

Air Jordan 1 "Bulls" will be probably one of the most interesting release in this year tho

SM: In these days there is a very big HYPE around Air Jordan 11 and not one man was killed for them. What are your thoughts on this?

Mark: The Air Jordan XI has always had hype from the day MJ shocked the entire world on primetime TV rocking them in a game. It was a shoe that was designed to wear not only as a performance basketball shoe but also as a shoe you could wear with suits or Tuxedos (which many people did). I've personally seen people beat up and robbed for their Jordan XI's as I've seen people sell both real and fake pairs for ridiculous prices.

Mark´s set of Air Jordan 11 (from 1995 to 2001)

SM: Your videos are very popular on YouTube - Are you interested in any project or projects?

Mark: Thanks for the compliments on the YouTube videos, I'm interested in many project opportunities from reviewing authentic sneakers a week before they drop, working with Jordan Brand has been a dream for many years. My ultimate goal is to find a investor interested in opening a museum to display the sneaker I have ranging from the original 1985 Chicago Jordan 1's to Jordan Boots, Trunners, Casual shoes, Dress shoes, Golf shoes, PE's (Player Edition, Player Exclusive), Team J's, etc....... Maybe one day!!

Mark was also working with Jay Lawrence on Encyclopedie of Air Jordans

SM: Would you like to say something to your fan base here in Czech republic and to our readers?

Mark: I'd like to say thank you for reaching out to me for the interview and thanks for the support you've shown to my collection and videos. I'd love to visit your country if there's a sneaker show and you'd be willing to help make that happen. I'll be traveling to the Philippines later this month, that will be my first international sneaker event and I'm looking forward to it. Thanks again for the interview and I hope that I've answered your questions on #A_Kiction